8 Ways to Make Pregnant Sex Feel Better

Pregnancy can throw quite the monkey wrench (no, that's not a euphemism) at your sex life. All those sudden changes to your hormones can throw you off your game, even on the best of days. Chances are, though, you and your partner don't want to go 9 months without it. So whether you love pregnancy sex or hate it, there's still plenty you can do to get it on — for your and his pleasure, and without anyone worrying about the baby (no, his penis is not going to hit it). Just keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, so if you have any concerns, check with your doctor on what's recommended and what isn't. Otherwise, these tips will make the next 9 months in bed feel ~much~ better.

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1. Pillows are your best friend. During the pregnancy, those throw pillows you normally toss into the corner of your room will be essential. In fact, buy more (or just get one of those "sex wedges"). Especially in the third trimester, lots of sex positions can get uncomfortable, if not downright painful. A pillow or two slipped under your legs, knees, or belly can be enough to course-correct this. This is incredibly handy if your favorite sex position suddenly becomes unbearable.

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2. Have sex on your side. If you can't stand the idea of throw pillows for whatever reason, lying on your side (either facing each other or facing away from your partner) can take the pressure off your joints and belly without aid. It might feel limited if you don't have other options, but it's better than not having sex.

3. Use standing doggy style. If your knees and legs are up for it, you can prop yourself up against the bed and go at it from behind. The position is already a staple for a lot of couples, it's a passive position for the woman, and there's no pressure being placed on the belly.

4. Go with cowgirl or reverse cowgirl. As long as you don't mind doing all the work, this classic keeps your belly from getting squished. And it means your baby won't stop kicking your partner in the chest during coitus, which is a nice thing to avoid.

5. Explore "alternative methods." If intercourse is too painful or awkward, there's always oral sex, manual stimulation or even mutual masturbation. You can even try intercrural sex — AKA non-penetrative sex, like when he just rubs himself between your thighs — if you feel like none of those options work for you.

6. Stay spontaneous. Your sex drive might start careening wildly between "insatiably horny" and "zero interest." Do your best to capitalize on those moments to keep sex feeling fun and not like something you're just doing out of obligation.

7. Avoid anything that will make either of you think about the baby. This can be problematic and bring your sexual adventure to a screeching halt. If either one (or both) of you are having a tough time humping away without picturing the baby bouncing around in the womb, stick to positions that don't put the baby front and center (again, lying on your side, reverse cowgirl or doggy style are good for this.

8. Be gentle. This might not be the advice you want to hear if you're typically all about rough, aggressive sex. But sometimes just taking it slow is the best course of action… and hopefully it won't wake the baby up. Make sure your partner goes slow, use lube (if you don't already) and talk a lot. Eventually, you'll find something that works for you.